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Friday, 7 January 2011

Crackdown Catches 125 Drunk At The Wheel

By Ben Aulakh

A crackdown on drink-driving in the East Midlands over the Christmas period caught 125 people on the regions roads.

The campaign saw police forces from Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire working together for the first time to detect and test those drunk behind the wheel.

Chief Inspector Steve Potter of the Leicestershire Constabulary Roads Policing Unit said, “We all know that there’s even more temptation in December due to Christmas parties and company nights out, and this year’s focus was still on young drivers aged under 30.

“In December 2010, 40% of those arrested in Leicestershire were aged 16 to 30.”

The three forces also shared information on repeat offenders with each other to ensure that those who regularly commit the crime were caught.

The campaign had been launched by Mr Michael Ellis, whose 17-year-old son Chris was killed in a car crash on the A6003 near Uppingham in 2007, after being driven by someone drunk.

Chief Inspector Steve Potter added, “It is thanks to the courage of people like Mr Ellis, that we are able to get the message out to so many people.”

The total number of arrests made during the crackdown was up on last year’s total of 122, and police say that they are still really disappointed some people still think it’s OK to take the risk.

Chief Inspector Steve Potter said: “The Christmas campaign is over but we will continue to arrest drink drivers.

“Our main message is: Don’t drink and drive. A conviction can mean a lengthy ban, losing you job or even prison.”